India – VML has appointed creative leader Kalpesh Patankar as its group chief creative officer for India, marking a significant addition to the agency’s leadership team.
With nearly two decades of award-winning experience, Patankar joins VML from his previous role as chief creative officer at Leo Burnett Dubai.
With nearly two decades of experience across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Patankar brings a global perspective to VML India. His expertise in creative strategy and client relationships is expected to support the agency’s growth in the region.
Throughout his career, Patankar has worked with major global brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, and Colgate, creating campaigns that have gained industry recognition. He has also contributed to the creative industry as a jury president at award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Andys, and ADFEST.
Patankar returns to VML after serving as CCO at VMLY&R Dubai, where he transformed agencies into globally recognised creative powerhouses. Under his leadership, both VMLY&R Dubai and Leo Burnett Dubai achieved major success, earning accolades such as “MEA Agency of the Decade” at Cannes Lions and recognition as Advertising Creative Person of the Year.
Speaking on his appointment, Patankar said, “I have been considering returning to India for a long time, but I was waiting for the right moment, agency, and team to do it with. I believe that moment is now, with the team at VML. Creativity has the power to transform businesses, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams across India and APAC to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
Patankar will be based in VML’s Mumbai office, reporting to global CCO Debbi Vandeven and VML India CEO Babita Baruah. He will also collaborate with APAC CCO Paul Nagy to strengthen the agency’s creative presence in the region and beyond.
“We are looking forward to having Kal back on our global creative team. His extraordinary brand skills—particularly in the area of craft—are second to none. Under his creative leadership, brand building and the level of craft will flourish in India. He has a unique ability to bring humanity and creativity together to deliver solutions for clients that transcend marketing,” said VML global COO Vandeven.
“Kal is fantastic at shattering boundaries to create phenomenal work for our clients. I am excited to have him on board as he leads our teams across India to new heights,” added VML APAC CCO Nagy.
